With the evolution of high-resolution audio technology and in response to growing market demand, the Consumer Electronics Association has announced the Hi-Res Audio Experience, a new TechZone featured at the upcoming 2014 International CES. Produced by CEA, the Hi-Res Audio Experience will showcase the latest high-resolution audio content coming to market and the latest technologies that will give consumers the highest quality listening experience.
Scheduled to run Jan. 7-10, 2014 in Las Vegas, CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.
“Market trends indicate that consumers are poised to embrace high-resolution audio, creating tremendous new opportunities for CE manufacturers and the music industry,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, International CES and corporate business strategist, CEA. “With recent HRA announcements from a number of music labels, digital retailers and CE companies, we’ve created this new TechZone to help drive category growth and give our attendees the opportunity to explore the game-changing quality of high-resolution audio. Visitors also will meet leading creatives from across the industry.”
Located in The Venetian’s Bellini Ballroom, the Hi-Res Audio Experience is anchored by hi-res digital download pioneer and leader HD Tracks and features companies including Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez Store, Blue Coast Music, Mytek Digital and Native DSD.
A variety of hi-res audio products also will be demonstrated or on display in the Tech Zone. In addition, several manufacturers will have hi-res products on display in their rooms in the Venetian Tower and in their booths across the CES show floor.
“For the past 25 years, my brother and I have dedicated our lives and our company to pushing the envelope in sound quality and we apply this same passion to music downloads,” said David Chesky, co-founder and CEO, HD Tracks. “Now, we are pleased to join with a number of other artists, music stores, and electronic companies at CES to take high fidelity music reproduction to a new level that was never before even imaginable.”
In addition to cutting-edge exhibits, the Hi-Res Audio Experience will feature its own conference track at the 2014 CES with sessions including:
- Welcome to the Hi-Res Music World, Jan. 7 – Featuring top executives from both major and independent labels who will discuss, along with their digital retail partners, the challenges and opportunities associated with licensing and distributing hi-res music.
- Meet the Hi-Res Music Creators, Jan. 7 – Exploring topics including the key advantages to working in hi-res formats, the availability of recording tools and the importance of meta data in enhancing the overall listening experience.
- Hi-Res Audio for Every Lifestyle, Jan. 8 – Examining the variety of hi-res devices that are available today and the challenges related to marketing and promoting them.
CEA research shows that consumers are ready to embrace high resolution audio. The research indicates that the appeal of high-quality audio electronics extends beyond enthusiasts and that the appeal of hi-res audio extends far beyond higher quality audio devices. CEA finds four in 10, or 39 percent, of consumers with a moderate interest in audio indicate they are willing to pay more for high-quality audio electronics devices and that nearly 60 percent of consumers with a moderate interest in audio are willing to pay more for higher quality digital music. Nine in 10 consumers say sound quality is the most important component of a quality audio experience.
The 2014 CES will feature 20 market-specific TechZones highlighting innovation across 15 different product categories.
